On Board Review

Bavaria SR41 HT Review (2020 Edition)

Is it the pinnacle of Bavaria's offerings or just another addition to their extensive lineup of 40-foot sports yachts? We delve into the details as we step aboard the inaugural model from the SR range.

Bavaria's extensive lineup includes the R-Line coupe models and the S-Line, boasting 13 open and hardtop yachts ranging from 9 to 15 meters. Among these, three 40-foot models offer a similar Owner-operated cruising experience to the 13.2m SR41 we're examining, along with the slightly smaller 11.6m SR36. So, what role does the new SR range play in Bavaria's strategy, and what does it bring to the table?

Bavaria SR41 HT Key Facts

Bavaria SR41 HT illustration
  • LOA 13.21m
  • Model Year 2020
  • Cabins 2
  • Max Speed 32 knots
  • Status In Production
  • Yacht Type Sportsboat
  • Use Type Weekending

Design & Build

Those acquainted with Bavaria, especially its sports yachts, recognize the brand's knack for crafting sleek, stylish designs imbued with understated performance. Bavaria's creations stand the test of time, maintaining a fresh appearance even after a decade on the water. The SR41 stays true to this tradition, boasting a seamlessly integrated design characterized by clean lines and a cohesive silhouette, where every element blends cleverly from bow to transom.

Bavaria SR41
The flowing tidy lines of the SR41, seen with the optional GRP sunroof

The assertion that the SR represents the pinnacle of Bavaria's offerings holds true upon closer examination. The deck layout mirrors the open, secure, and adaptable design seen in the S-Line models, featuring a sizable sunroof and ample flexible seating options. Below deck, the SR41 embodies the cruising philosophy of the R40, boasting two well-appointed cabins, including a spacious owner’s suite spanning the full beam, along with two toilet compartments. The interior is characterized by generous space and headroom, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout.

Bavaria R40 design
Bavaria 40ft sports yachts

Reverse Psychology

However, the SR41 also distinguishes itself through innovative approaches, often by challenging conventional norms. A prime example of this unconventional thinking is evident in the cockpit, where the transom is ingeniously cut away to create an aft-facing lounge or sunpad — a stroke of genius that optimizes the use of the transom section. Below deck, the SR demonstrates its versatility by accommodating a full-beam owner’s cabin and a lower lounge — a feature absent in the R40, which offers an owner’s suite but lacks a dedicated lounge area.

The craftsmanship throughout the yacht embodies Bavaria’s pragmatic approach, rooted in its sailing yacht heritage. Inside, sleek and minimalist cabinetry maximizes storage space, while concealed lighting, expansive windows, and refined design elements elevate the overall aesthetic. On deck, Bavaria’s self-assuredness shines through in the prominent branding on seating and stainless steel fixtures.

Interior Accommodation

Descending the wide, gradual steps to the lower lounge, you're immediately struck by the generous space. The ample headroom and width create an expansive environment, with a broad sole enabling easy movement for up to four individuals without the typical need for constant maneuvering. 

The lounge comfortably accommodates four occupants around a compact, fixed table — an inviting spot for a casual coffee rather than a formal meal. Enhanced by surrounding cabinetry, the ambiance is cozy and relaxed, illuminated by a hull window and skylight that infuse the interior with natural light.

SR41 Interior

Double Double

Forward and aft, two double cabins offer versatile options for the Owner's retreat, although the full-beam mid-cabin stands out as the primary contender. Featuring a comfortable bench seat and an ensuite located off the cabin entrance, it offers full-standing headroom in the entranceway, allowing ample space to sit up in bed.

The day head, accessible from the salon, extends into the starboard side of the forward cabin, leaving the port side clear for a hanging locker and easy access to the berth. Surrounding the berth are deeply fiddled shelves, complemented by expansive window sections on each side and an overhead hatch, flooding the space with natural light.

Bavaria SR41 cabin

The absence of a twin berth option is notable, especially for families with children. One potential solution could be to offer twin berths in the mid-cabin, although this might lead to ensuite envy among occupants, given its status as the preferred cabin for adults.

Bavaria SR41
Bavaria SR41
Bavaria SR41

Galley Down & Up

In the salon, the galley area appears functional, featuring deep-fiddled worktops, a spacious sink, ample cupboard space, and a refrigerator. While equipped with an opening port for ventilation, Bavaria envisions the galley primarily as a breakfast area, suitable for preparing coffee and eggs. The cockpit wet bar, on the other hand, is designed to accommodate larger grilling tasks. This approach aligns with the preference to avoid cooking below decks, where odors and condensation may accumulate. However, in practice, the standard wet bar may seem somewhat under-equipped to serve as a full-fledged galley.

Helm Station

The single helm station is straightforward yet efficient. Its sloping facade neatly arranges the yacht's controls, featuring throttles and the optional joystick on one side. Initially equipped with a pedestal-style single MFD mount, the debut yacht has since been upgraded to a console capable of accommodating two screens.

Bavaria SR41

Similarly, the optional joystick has been relocated behind the throttles, enhancing safety by preventing accidental contact with the engine controls. While there's only a single helm seat, the raised seating pad to port allows for two additional people to join the skipper, offering a fantastic view forward.

Deck Lifestyle

The open sports yacht design offers ample seating and lounging options under the raked hardtop, extending into the cockpit area. You can choose between different sunroof designs, including manual or electric vinyl roofs, or a solid GRP option. While the solid GRP option avoids the wear and tear associated with vinyl, it offers a slightly smaller opening.

Bavaria SR41
Bavaria SR41
Bavaria SR41

At the stern, Bavaria's distinctive and inspired transom seat design steals the spotlight. Unlike the typical fixed transom or raised sunpad, Bavaria's designers have innovated by cutting into the coaming to fashion a U-shaped, aft-facing seat complemented by a high-low table that easily converts into a sunpad. The standout feature here is the aft-facing design, offering an ideal spot for enjoying the seascape, especially if you opt for the optional hydraulic bathing platform.

Bavaria SR41

Bar & Grill

The aft seat design features a hinged backrest, allowing it to cleverly integrate into the cockpit's seating arrangement, which includes an L-shaped bench, flip-over dining table, and the wetbar. Bavaria wisely suggests doing any significant cooking in the open space here, a sensible move, although we'd advocate for a larger grill to match the size of the wetbar. While Bavaria is not the only offender in this regard, we encourage all boat builders to consider including larger and more practical barbecue grills.

Known for their practicality, Bavaria excels at delivering yachts that offer excellent value for money while being highly usable and enjoyable. The deck is no exception, with ample storage tucked under the seats. Additionally, the yacht boasts excellent walk-through side deck access, with lower grabrails cleverly integrated into the hardtop, emphasizing its family-friendly design.

Our Verdict

The SR41 stands out for its efficient use of space and practical design, making it one of the most functional yachts in its class. Despite its affordability, it offers a comfortable and spacious onboard experience comparable to larger vessels. With its innovative cockpit layout, the SR41 showcases Bavaria's commitment to practicality and functionality.

Reasons to Buy

  • Spacious two-cabin interior
  • Full-beam Owner's suite
  • Fun transom lounge design
  • Safe, practical decks
  • Impressive optimisation across yacht

Things to Consider

  • No twin berth option

Looking to own a Bavaria SR41 HT? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Bavaria SR41 HT Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Bavaria SR41 HT, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!

Rivals to Consider

Bavaria’s direct value-for-money rivals are usually Beneteau, Jeanneau, Galeon and fellow German Sealine. But any new 40ft sports yacht will find itself up against the class-leading V40 from Princess. A more expensive boat on paper, the V40 comes as a near-complete, go-to-sea package, adding excellent 40-knot performance, accommodation, style and that all-important brand kudos. Its sleek hardtop design is everything a sports yacht should be and goes on to deliver excellent space and protection in the cockpit. Below decks, there’s a galley, lounge and two good cabins, but no full-beam Owner’s cabin.         

Sealine has two genuinely exciting models either side of the SR41, the 12.5m S390 and 13.5m S430 are both fast and innovative sports yachts packed with good ideas and bright two-cabin interiors, the S430 just that bit larger across the deck and interior. Both yachts are available as coupe models with enclosed deck salons, but the more open S design with its clever canopy systems is a lot of fun.    

A similar sports yacht design to the SR41, the Beneteau Gran Turismo 41 has a great seating design under its hardtop with three people able to sit up at the helm. The Beneteau has a similar layout to the SR41 but can’t manage a full-beam owner’s cabin, instead, the guest cabin runs across the beam with the Owner forward.   

Galeon is another innovator and its 410HTC folds, flexes, and opens up like no other yacht in its class. A deck salon design, the 410 features an aft deck with fold-down coamings to create a vast waterside platform. Inside, the salon is lined by massive glass sections that create a huge side door for the helm, while below decks there are two ensuite cabins.  

Considering a new boat? Explore Bavaria's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.

Specifications

  • Builder Bavaria Yachts
  • Range SR-Line
  • Model SR41 HT
  • Length Overall 13.21m
  • Beam 3.99m
  • Draft 1.05m
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 2
  • Berths 4
  • Max Speed 32 knots
  • Fuel Capacity 750 Litres
  • Fresh Water Capacity 250 Litres
  • Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D6-380
New Model Specs & Options

Bavaria SR41 HT Layout

  • Main Deck Bavaria SR41 HT

    The aft transom lounge is a fun and versatile design that connects to the main cockpit creating lots of seating, lounging and dining options. 

  • Lower Deck Bavaria SR41 HT

    A full-beam ensuite cabin amidships is joined by a double forward, plus a day head. Note the floorspace across the central salon and galley areas.  

View All Layout Options

Available Stock